St. Petersburg Catholic started the season with a lot of holes in its lineup. The Barons lost three starters to graduation, including the 2008 All-Suncoast player of the year, Sasha Chaplin. To make the playoffs for the 12th straight season, St. Petersburg Catholic knew it would have to rely on guard Jerica Coley for production.

Coley took on that role with the same determination she shows shaking, baking and shoulder faking her way to the hoop.

The Barons' go-to girl averaged 22.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.4 steals and four assists. She also helped SPC finish as runnerup in Class 3A, District 5 and advance to the region semifinals.

Coley thrived in the spotlight thanks to an unshakable confidence in her all-around game, which included some big-time performances, such as the 32 points and 18 rebounds she had in the region quarterfinals against Sarasota Cardinal Mooney.

Coach of the Year

Karim Nohra, Wesley Chapel

No one maximized the proverbial hand he was dealt better than this well-known coaching vagabond. Hired in August, Nohra inherited a team with no returning starters and led it to a 26-3 record and Class 5A region finals berth. During this improbable journey, his best player, 6-foot-2 Stetson signee Janelle Mills, missed two months with a broken wrist.

First team

G Colette Eule, Tampa Catholic, Jr.: Net-filling guard scored 19.7 points a game in leading Crusaders to their first final four in school history.

G Tory Stephens, Boca Ciega, Sr.: Long-range specialist carried the Pirates through the regular season and led them to Class 5A state semifinals.